Pep Guardiola to stay in New York for now: Bayern Munich

Updated: 17 January 2013 18:09 IST

Bayern Munich chairman Karl Heinz Rummenigge on Thursday said Pep Guardiola would remain in New York for the time being to learn German and does not want to interfere with the work of current coach Jupp Heynckes.

Written by Agence-France Presse

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Berlin:

Bayern Munich chairman Karl Heinz Rummenigge on Thursday said Pep Guardiola would remain in New York for the time being to learn German and does not want to interfere with the work of current coach Jupp Heynckes.

"I can deny the rumours about Pep Guardiola coming to Munich on Friday," Rummenigge told a news conference, a day after the Bavarian giants announced that they had appointed the former Barcelona coach to take over from next season.

"He is going to stay in New York for the moment and work intensively on his German. He does not want to interfere in any way in the current season and the work of Jupp Heynckes."

Rummenigge said he had a lengthy conversation on Wednesday with Guardiola, who asked after Heynckes in German.

The Bayern Munich chairman told reporters that Heynckes let it be known before Christmas that he did not wish to stay on beyond the second year of his contract at the club, prompting them to increase their contact with Guardiola.

But Rummenigge insisted that Bayern would have had "no chance" in bringing him to Munich if the Catalan, who turns 42 on Friday, was only interested in money.

He added that even during his self-imposed sabbatical year in New York, the man who guided Barca to 14 trophies between 2008 and 2012 was well-informed about his future club.

Guardiola also wanted to come to Munich with his two assistants, Rummenigge said, but refused to divulge their names nor say whether Bayern's style of play would change.

Rummenigge said he had no doubts about Guardiola's ability to master German between now and when he is officially unveiled, which was likely to take place on July 1 when he takes up his new job.

"I think that when he arrives it (German) will not be a problem for him," Rummenigge said, pointing out that the coach already spoke fluent English.

Bayern players Manuel Neuer and Philipp Lahm were among the many who welcomed Guardiola's appointment, with Germany captain Lahm saying his decision was a reflection of the quality of the team.